Tip and adapter lock assembly

ABSTRACT

A retaining mechanism includes a retainer with a skirt that has a surface of revolution with an axis of rotation. The skirt extends 180.0 degrees or less about the axis of rotation, forming a thru-slot. A drive portion extends axially from the skirt.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/359,244, filed on Jul. 8, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to retaining mechanisms employed on work implement assemblies such as bucket assemblies used by earth moving, mining, construction equipment and the like for attaching a tip to an adapter of the work implement assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a retaining mechanism that uses a spring to hold a retainer of the retaining mechanism in a locked or unlocked configuration.

BACKGROUND

Machines such as wheel loaders, excavators, and the like employ work implement assemblies including bucket assemblies, rakes, shears, etc. that have teeth or tips attached to them to help perform work on a material such as dirt, rock, sand, etc. For example, teeth or tips may be attached to a bucket assembly to help the bucket assembly to penetrate the ground, facilitating the scooping of the dirt into a bucket. Adapters are often attached to the work edges (e.g. the base edge, the side edge, etc.) of the bucket or other work implement so that different styles of teeth or tips may be attached to the work implement. Also, the tips or teeth may be replaced easily when worn by providing a retaining mechanism that is used to selectively hold the tip onto the adapter or to allow the tip be removed from the adapter.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,142,894 B2 discloses a tip and adapter assembly including a spring loaded retainer that has a lug receiving portion defining a first maximum outside dimension, and a lug receiving slot that extends partially through the lug receiving portion, forming a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a catch surface connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall. A drive portion of the retainer defines a second maximum outside dimension, and a first is disposed on the outside of the lug receiving portion proximate to the first sidewall or the second sidewall.

However, the spring clip in the '894 patent is more complicated to manufacture than desirable, and a lug is necessary to be present on the adapter, increasing costs.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A retaining mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a retainer including a skirt including a surface of revolution with an axis of rotation, and defining a circumferential direction. The skirt (e.g., a bottom portion of the skirt) may extend 180.0 degrees or less about the axis of rotation, forming a thru-slot. A drive portion may extend axially from the skirt (e.g., from a top portion of the skirt).

A retaining mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a retainer spring including a folded body having flat lock engaging portion, a first side undulating portion, and a second side undulating portion.

A retaining mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a retainer spring having a folded body including a top flat portion, a first side wavy portion that extends from the top flat portion, a second side wavy portion that extends from the top flat portion. The folded body may define two different planes of symmetry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work implement assembly such as a bucket assembly using tips, adapters, and retaining mechanisms with components configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 1 , shown in isolation from the work implement assembly of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a view of a tip and adapter assembly similar to that of FIG. 2 with the only the front portion of the adapter depicted, showing a retaining mechanism and its components in hidden lines according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in an unlocked configuration. A single ledge is shown in FIG. 2 while a two ledges (top and bottom) are shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 4 is a front view of the tip and adapter assembly, and retaining mechanism of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a rear oriented perspective view of the tip of FIGS. 3 and 4 shown in isolation, revealing the cavity that houses the retaining mechanism.

FIG. 6 a front oriented perspective view of the adapter or base of FIGS. 3 and 4 shown in isolation, revealing the pocket that receives a portion of the retaining mechanism when in the locked configuration.

FIG. 7 is a front oriented perspective view of the retaining mechanism removed from the tip and adapter assembly.

FIG. 8 is a rear oriented perspective view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 7 , showing more clearly the optional void filler.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing the retaining mechanism of a tip and adapter assembly in a locked configuration.

FIG. 10 is rear sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 9 , showing the retaining mechanism in a locked configuration.

FIG. 11 is a top sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 9 with the retaining mechanism in a locked configuration.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 9 with the retaining mechanism shown in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 13 is a rear sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 12 with the retaining mechanism shown in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 14 is a top sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 12 with the retaining mechanism in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a tip and adapter assembly with a retaining mechanism in an unlocked configuration according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a bottom sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly and retaining mechanism(s) of FIG. 15 in an unlocked configuration, showing another embodiment of an optional void filler.

FIG. 17 is an internal side sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly and retaining mechanism of FIG. 15 in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 18 shows the adapter of FIG. 17 removed, showing the retainer being held in the unlocked configuration by a spring clip.

FIG. 19 shows the tip of FIG. 18 with the retainer and spring clip removed, depicting more clearly the pocket(s) in which the retaining mechanism is held.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 15 with the retaining mechanism(s) shown in a locked configuration.

FIG. 21 is a bottom sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly and retaining mechanism(s) of FIG. 20 in a locked configuration.

FIG. 22 is an internal side sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly, and retaining mechanism of FIG. 21 . An angled or contoured material ejection surface can be seen.

FIG. 23 shows the retaining mechanism and tip of FIG. 22 with the adapter removed, showing the spring clip holding the retainer in a locked configuration.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a tip and retaining mechanism configured according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The retaining mechanism is shown in the locked configuration.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the tip and retaining mechanism of FIG. 24 .

FIG. 26 is a rear oriented view of a tip that may be used with the tip and the retaining mechanism of FIG. 24 .

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the tip of FIG. 24 shown in isolation, revealing the crescent shaped locking aperture.

FIG. 28 is a front oriented perspective view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 24 shown in isolation.

FIG. 29 is a rear oriented perspective view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the spring clip of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 29 shown in isolation.

FIG. 31 is a top view of the spring clip of FIG. 30 .

FIG. 32 is a top sectional view of the spring clip of FIG. 31 .

FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of the spring clip of FIG. 32 .

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view showing the retaining mechanism, tip and adapter of FIGS. 24 thru 29 as assembled in a locked configuration.

FIG. 35 is a rear sectional view showing the retaining mechanism, tip and adapter of FIGS. 24 thru 29 as assembled in a locked configuration.

FIG. 36 is a top sectional view showing the retaining mechanism, tip and adapter of FIGS. 24 thru 29 as assembled in a locked configuration.

FIG. 37 is a side sectional view showing the retaining mechanism, tip and adapter of FIGS. 24 thru 29 as assembled in a locked configuration.

FIG. 38 is a rear sectional view showing the retaining mechanism, tip and adapter of FIGS. 24 thru 29 as assembled in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the tip and retaining mechanism of FIG. 24 shown in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 40 is a bottom sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly and retaining mechanism of FIGS. 24 thru 29 in a locked configuration.

FIG. 41 is an enlarged detail view of the tip of FIG. 40 showing a spring clip similar to that of FIG. 30 seated in a pocket of the tip.

FIG. 42 shows the pocket of the tip of FIG. 41 with the spring clip removed.

FIG. 43 is a side view of a tip and retaining mechanism configured according to a fourth embodiment (spring clip is shown in FIG. 41 ) of the present disclosure. The retaining mechanism is shown in the locked configuration.

FIG. 44 is a rear oriented perspective view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 43 shown in isolation.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the spring clip of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 44 shown in isolation.

FIG. 46 is a top view of the spring clip of FIG. 45 .

FIG. 47 is a side sectional view of the spring clip of FIG. 46 .

FIG. 48 is a side sectional view showing the retaining mechanism, tip and adapter of FIGS. 26, 44 and 45 as assembled in a locked configuration.

FIG. 49 is a rear sectional view showing the retaining mechanism, tip and adapter of FIG. 48 as assembled in a locked configuration.

FIG. 50 is an alternate sectional view of the tip of FIG. 48 showing the spring clip seated in the pocket of the tip.

FIG. 51 is a side view of a tip and retaining mechanism configured according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The retaining mechanism is shown in the locked configuration.

FIG. 52 is a rear oriented perspective view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 43 shown in isolation.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the spring clip of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 52 shown in isolation.

FIG. 54 is a top view of the spring clip of FIG. 53 .

FIG. 55 is a side sectional view showing the retaining mechanism, tip and adapter of FIG. 51 as assembled in a locked configuration.

FIG. 56 is an alternate sectional view of the tip of FIG. 55 showing the spring clip seated in the pocket of the tip.

FIG. 57 shows the pocket of the tip of FIG. 51 with the spring clip removed, showing that the pocket is slightly differently configured than in FIG. 42 .

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the tip and adapter assembly configured similarly or identically to those associated with FIGS. 1 thru 57 except the lock assembly has a lock with a notch that is shallower, and the spring has been modified to be simpler. The lock assembly is shown in the unlocked configuration.

FIG. 59 shows the tip of the tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 58 removed to more clearly show the lock assembly in the unlocked configuration.

FIG. 60 shows the lock assembly of FIG. 59 rotated 100 degrees into a locked configuration.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a tip and adapter assembly with the lock assembly of FIG. 60 in a locked configuration.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the lock assembly of FIG. 60 shown in isolation from the tip and adapter assembly.

FIG. 63 is an alternate perspective view of the lock assembly of FIG. 62 , showing the notch of the lock more clearly.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the spring of FIGS. 62 and 63 shown in isolation.

FIG. 65 is an alternate perspective view of the spring of FIG. 64 .

FIG. 66 is a front view of the spring of FIG. 65 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, a reference number will be indicated in this specification and the drawings will show the reference number followed by a letter for example, 100 a, 100 b or a prime indicator such as 100′, 100″ etc. It is to be understood that the use of letters or primes immediately after a reference number indicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similar function such as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within this written specification. For example, multiple or mirrored versions of the features including the locking assemblies may be provided on either side of an adapter, a base, a tip, or a wear member. These features may be connected by a laterally extending through hole, etc.

A work implement assembly using tips, wear members, adapters, bases, retaining mechanisms, locks, and spring clips, etc. according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed.

Starting with FIG. 1 , the work implement assembly 100 may take the form of a bucket assembly 100′ that may be used by a wheel loader and that includes an enclosure 101 that defines an opening 102 that communicates with a generally enclosed interior. Starting from the rear of the bucket assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 1, the bucket assembly 100 includes a curved shell profile 104, which is attached to a rear wall 106 at the top end of the shell 104. The other end of the shell is attached to the bottom plate 108 of the assembly 100. A top plate 110 is attached to the top end of the rear wall 106. The top plate 110 transitions to a spill guard 112 that is designed to funnel material into the interior of the bucket and prevent material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcing ribs 118 are provided that are attached to the top plate 110 and the spill guard 112, providing reinforcement for strength. Two substantially flat end plates 114 are attached to the side edges of the spill guard 112, top plate 110, rear wall 106, bottom plate 108 and shell 104.

A side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114 while a front edge assembly 116 is attached to the front edge of the bottom plate 108 of the bucket assembly 100. The front edge assembly 116 includes a base edge 117 that is attached to the bottom plate 108, a plurality of center adapters 300, 300 a attached to the base edge 117, and a plurality of tips 200, 200 a (may also be referred to as tools, wear members, teeth, etc.) with each one of the plurality of tips 200 being attached to one of the plurality of center adapters 119. Also, two corner adapters 120 are also attached to the base edge and the side edges 122 of the bucket assembly 100′. Tip 200, 200 a may also be attached to the corner adapters 120, which may be similarly configured with features as will be discussed momentarily.

Moreover, a plurality of base edge protectors 124 are also provided with each one of the base edge protectors 124 positioned between center adapters 120 and between a center adapter 120 and a corner adapter 120. A side edge protector 126 is also provided that is attached to the side edge 122 proximate to a corner adapter 120.

It is to be understood that the work implement assembly may take other forms other than a bucket assembly including rake assemblies, shear assemblies, etc. In addition, a differently configured bucket that is meant to be used by an excavator may also use various embodiments of a tip, retaining mechanism, adapter, spring, spring loaded retainer, tip assembly, and tip and adapter assembly, etc. as will be discussed herein.

Looking at FIGS. 5, 9, 11, 17, 19, 20, and 23 , a tip 200, 200 a constructed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a rear attachment portion 202, 202 a with an open end 204, 204 a, an exterior surface 206, 206 a, and an interior surface 208, 208 a extending from the open end 204, 204 a. The rear attachment portion 202, 202 a may define a lock receiving aperture 210, 210 a, and a first spring clip receiving aperture 212, 212 a that is in communication with the lock receiving aperture 210, 210 a. The first spring clip receiving aperture 212, 212 a may include a first cavity 214, 214 a with a first rib 216 (see FIGS. 11 and 14 ). As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 14 , the first rib 216 may separate the first cavity 214 into an interior portion 218, and an exterior portion 220. In some embodiments, the rib may be at the very edge of the first cavity, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 10, 19, and 23 , the first spring clip receiving aperture 212, 212 a may include a second cavity 222, 222 a including a planar surface 224, 224 a (for support) that is spaced away from the first cavity, and that faces and opens up toward the lock receiving aperture 210, 210 a.

In FIG. 9 , the first spring clip receiving aperture 212 includes a third cavity 226 that includes a second rib 228 that separates the third cavity 226 into an interior portion and exterior portion similar to the first rib 216. As shown, the second cavity 222 may be interposed between the first cavity 214 and the third cavity 226. The function of the first and second cavities may be to hold a spring clip into place while the second cavity provides support for a spring arm or detent that engages the lock to hold it in place against unintentional rotation about an axis of rotation 230 of the lock receiving aperture.

Looking at FIGS. 10, and 11 , the lock receiving aperture 210 may include a tab receiving portion 232 that is disposed adjacent the exterior surface 206, as well as a skirt receiving portion 234 that is disposed (e.g., axially) between the tab receiving portion 232, and the interior surface 208.

More specifically, the tab receiving portion 232, and the skirt receiving portion 234 may be circumferentially overlapping (see circumferential direction 236 about the axis of rotation 230). Also, the first cavity 214 a, the second cavity 222, and the third cavity 226 do not circumferentially overlap with the tab receiving portion 232 or the skirt receiving portion 234 (e.g., may be circumferentially on the opposite side). This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Focusing on FIG. 5 , the interior surface 208 may further define a skirt entry slot 238, and a skirt retention slot 240 that is in communication with the skirt entry slot 238. More particularly, the skirt retention slot 240 may extend predominantly circumferentially from the skirt entry slot 238 that extends predominantly axially. As a result of this structure, the lock may be axially placed with the skirt aligned with the skirt entry slot until the lock contacts an annular shelf surface 241 that is disposed axially between the tab receiving portion of the lock receiving aperture and the skirt retention slot. Then, the lock could be rotated such that the skirt is caught axially underneath the skirt retention slot, holding the lock axially in the lock receiving aperture.

Consequently, the tip 200 may be part of tip assembly that may be described as follows with reference to FIG. 5 . The rear attachment portion 200 of the tip may have a lock receiving aperture 210 defining an axis of rotation 230 that extends axially from the interior surface 208 to the exterior surface 206, The lock receiving aperture may include an inner axial skirt receiving slot (e.g., see skirt entry slot 238), an intermediate axial skirt retaining slot (e.g., see skirt retention slot 240) extending about the axis of rotation 230 from the inner axial skirt receiving slot, and an outer axial tab receiving slot (e.g., see tab receiving portion 234) defining a first stop 242, and a second stop 244 spaced away from the first stop 242 about the axis of rotation 230.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the interior surface 208 may further include a spring retaining aperture (e.g., see 212), and a spring 402 that is part of the retaining mechanism 400 may be disposed in the spring retaining aperture, while a lock 404 may be disposed in the lock receiving aperture 210.

Looking at FIGS. 5, 10, and 11 together, the intermediate axial skirt retaining slot (e.g., see skirt retention slot 240) may define a conical surface 248 that is centered about the axis of rotation 230. Other surfaces such as cylindrical may be employed in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the intermediate axial skirt receiving slot may define a shelf surface 250 that faces axially toward the exterior of the tip 200. This forms an undercut that retains the lock axially in the tip.

Moreover in FIGS. 5 and 16 , the rear open end 204, 204 a may define a stepped perimeter 252 with a ledge 253. This ledge 253 may face vertically downwardly in order to mate with a matching feature of the adapter to help resist upward loads on the tip.

Tips 200, 200 a may be characterized more generally as wear members such as when a pointed tip is omitted, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 29 , the rear attachment portion 202, 202 a of these wear members may define a lock receiving aperture 210, 210 a, and a first spring clip receiving aperture 212, 212 a, that is in communication with the lock receiving aperture 210, 210 a. Also, a skirt receiving aperture (e.g., see 234) may be provided, as well as a skirt retention slot 240 that extends from the skirt receiving aperture.

More particularly in FIG. 5 , the lock receiving aperture 210 may define an axis of rotation 230, and a circumferential direction 236. The first spring clip receiving aperture 212 may be spaced circumferentially away from the skirt receiving aperture (e.g., see 234), and the skirt retention slot 240.

In addition, the skirt retention slot 240 may be defined by a circumferentially extending ledge 254, and the skirt receiving aperture is defined by a planar axially extending surface 256, and a circumferentially extending surface 258. As alluded to earlier herein, the skirt retention slot 240 may include a conical side surface (e.g., see conical surface 248).

The lock receiving aperture 210 may further include a tab receiving slot (e.g., see tab receiving portion 232) delimited by a first circumferential stop (e.g., see first stop 242), and a second circumferential stop (e.g., see second stop 244). As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the first circumferential stop (see 242) may be disposed axially underneath the circumferentially extending ledge 254 of the skirt retention slot 240, whereas the second circumferential stop (see 244) is disposed axially underneath the skirt receiving aperture (see 234). As a result of this structure, the lock can be rotated between a trapped position in the tip (but in an unlocked configuration) and an untrapped position in the tip (but a locked configuration), allowing the lock to be installed or removed with little possibility of the lock falling out of the tip before attachment to the adapter.

Now an adapter that may be used with the previously mentioned tip/wear member will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 21 . Such an adapter 300, 300 a may comprise a nose portion (e.g., male portion 302, 302 a) that includes a crescent shaped aperture 304, 304 a. The crescent shaped aperture 304 may define an arcuate surface 306 (e.g., a concave conical surface or concave cylindrical surface) with an axis of rotation 308 (see FIG. 6 ), and the arcuate surface 306 extends about 180.0 degrees about the axis of rotation 308, but not necessarily so. The crescent shaped aperture 306 in FIG. 6 is disposed near a top of the adapter 300. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 6 , the nose portion (e.g., the male portion 302) may include an octagonal perimeter 310. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, a lower step 312 may be disposed behind the nose portion (e.g., the male portion 302). This lower step 312 may include an upwardly facing shelf surface 314 that supports the matching shape of the tip/wear member to support upward loads on the tip/wear member as previously described herein. A similarly upper step 313 may be provided that matches with a similar feature on the tip/wear member.

In FIG. 10 , the crescent shaped aperture 304 may define an undercut 314 along a conical axis 316 (may be coextensive with the axis of rotation 230). Such an undercut may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, as seen in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13 , a void filler 406 that is complimentarily shaped to the crescent shaped aperture and is configured to be attached to the adapter in a rotatable manner may be provided. If so, as the lock is rotated so will the void filler. If the void filler is instead attached to the lock, then the void filler may be manufactured from a rubber or an elastomer allowing it to be compressed as the tip or wear member is inserted over the adapter or base member.

Now a base or an adapter 300 a that may be provided as a replacement part or as a retrofit in the field will be described with reference to FIG. 17 . The base or adapter may include a male portion 302 a that includes a partial polygonal shaped aperture 318. The partial polygonal shaped aperture 318 may face upwardly in some embodiments in the present disclosure. More specifically as shown in FIG. 17 , the partially polygonal shaped aperture has a partial square or partial rectangular shape. A void filler 406 a may be provided that is configured to be attached to the partial polygonal shaped aperture. The void filler 406 a may have an aperture that includes a side arcuate surface 408, a bottom flat surface 410, and a side flat surface 412. Other configurations are possible for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 22 , a retainer with a conical skirt 416 a, and a contoured or angled ejector surface 414 extending form the conical skirt 416 a may be provided. This feature may help to expel dirt, mud, or other material that may infiltrate the retaining mechanism during use.

Looking at FIGS. 21 and 22 , the adapter 300 a, may both include a lower step 312 disposed behind the nose portion 302 a with an upwardly facing shelf surface 320. Also, the nose portion may define a retainer skirt receiving aperture 322. In some embodiments, the retainer skirt receiving aperture 322 includes a crescent shape. In other embodiments, the retainer skirt receiving aperture includes a polygonal shape 324 to receive void filler 406 a. An undercut 326 may be provided to help retain a void filler 406 a. The void filler may be omitted altogether in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Now, a retaining mechanism and associated components that may be supplied as a replacement part(s) or as a retrofit in the field will now be discussed.

Beginning with FIGS. 7 and 8 , such a retaining mechanism 400 may comprise a retainer 404 a including a skirt 416 with a conical surface 418 with a conical axis 420 (may be the same as the axis of rotation as shown, other surfaces of revolution such as a cylindrical surface may also be provided). The skirt 416 (e.g., the lower portion of the skirt) may extend less than 180.0 degrees about the conical axis, forming a thru-slot 422. A drive portion 423 may also extend from the skirt 416.

More particularly, the thru-slot 422 of the retainer may include a straight surface 424 (may extend from the back of the retainer), and an angled surface 426 extending from the straight surface 424 to the bottom of the thru-slot 422. In FIG. 22 , the skirt 416 a may further comprise a peripheral angled or contoured material ejection surface 428 that at least partially borders the thru-slot.

In FIGS. 7 and 18 , it can be seen that the periphery of the skirt 416, 416 a may define a first detent aperture 430, a second detent aperture 432 that is spaced away from the first detent aperture 430 about the axis of revolution (e.g., conical axis 420). These detents are designed to mate with the male detent feature 434 such as a spring arm 434 a of the spring 402, 402 a to hold the retainer in a locked or unlocked configuration unless intentionally rotated. For example, the first detent aperture may be spaced 90.0 degrees from the second detent aperture about the axis of rotation. Other angular ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Focusing on FIG. 7 , a void filler 406 may be disposed in the thru-slot, may be made from a metal, rubber or elastomer, etc. The void filler 406 may rotate in cavity 306. When the tip, lock, and spring come off together, the void filler may remain behind in cavity 306. If you look at 304 there is a slight taper that holds the void filler in place axially. It is held in place vertically simply through gravity.

Generally, the user may install the void filler 406 in cavity 306 first. Then, the user may slide the tip/lock/spring assembly on the adapter. Next, the user may spin the lock 90 degrees, and the void filler may rotate with the lock, being pushed by the lock. When the user unlocks the lock by rotating 90 degree back to the unlock position, the void filler resumes its initial install position. Then, when the tip/lock/spring are slid off the adapter, the void filler remains in place in cavity 306.

While the void filler 406, is shown to extend about the axis of rotation more than 180.0 degrees, it is contemplated that its circumferential extent may be less, while that of the skirt may be more.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , the void filler 406 may comprise a straight surface 438, and an angled surface 440 that are complementarily shaped to the straight surface 424, and the angled surface 426 of the thru-slot (see FIG. 8 ).

In FIG. 21 , the void filler 406 a comprises an outer angled surface 442 (e.g., an outer conical surface) that is configured to fit in a corresponding surface of the adapter. In FIG. 22 , a polygonal perimeter of the aperture (e.g., see 318) is provided in the adapter for receiving the void filler 406 a. The void filler 406 a may comprise an inner arcuate surface 444, and an inner planar surface 446. Other configurations are possible.

Referring back to FIG. 7 , the drive portion 423 may include a round outside perimeter 448, a drive aperture 450 that includes a polygonal inside perimeter 452, and a tab 454 that extends from the round outside perimeter 448. Other configurations for the drive portion are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Next, various embodiments of the retainer spring of the retaining mechanism will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 .

The retainer spring (e.g., see 402) may include a folded body (may be manufactured using a progressive stamping die process, brake press, etc.) including a male detent portion (e.g., see 434) that extends from a first window 456 of the folded body, and a first retention portion 458. More specifically, the male detent portion may include a convex arcuate flange 435 (see also FIG. 9 ) extending form an edge of the first window.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 , the first retention portion 458 may include a second window 460 that includes a U-shaped portion 462 extending from an edge of the second window 460, and an angled flange portion 462 extending from another edge of the second window 460. A second retention portion 466 that is identically configured as the first retention portion 458 may be provided, and the male detent portion (e.g., 434) is disposed between the first retention portion and the second retention portion.

Alternatively as seen in FIG. 18 , the first retention portion 458 a may include an angled flange portion 464 a extending from an edge of the window without the U-shaped portion. Other configurations for the first retention portion are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 17 , the retaining mechanism may include a retainer 400 defining a skirt 416, 416 a with a void (e.g., may take the form of the thru-slot 422), and at least two detent apertures 430, 432. Also, a void filler 406, 406 a may be provided that is configured to the fill the void of the skirt, as well as a retainer spring 402, 402 a (see also FIG. 18 ) including at least one male detent (e.g., see 434, 434 a) that is configured to engage the two detent apertures either simultaneously or separately as shown.

In some embodiments, the void filler 406 may be configured to be attached to or fit into the thru-slot of the skirt 416 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ).

In other embodiments, the adapter 300 a may define a cavity (e.g., see 318), and the void filler 406 a may be configured to be attached to the adapter 300 a (see FIGS. 21 and 22 ). In such a case, the cavity may define an undercut 326, and the void filler 406 a may be complementarily shaped to fill the undercut 326. As best seen in FIG. 22 , the cavity may include straight side edges 328, and a straight bottom edge 330. The void filler 406 may be configured to mate with the cavity and includes a pry slot 468 on its bottom side.

In either case, the void filler 406, 406 a may comprise a plastic, an elastomer, a rubber material, or any suitably resilient, yet durable material. The spring(s) may be made from a metal (e.g. spring steel) that is bent via a progressive stamping die process, brake press, or similar fabrication technique from a flat pattern into the desired final shape.

Looking now at FIGS. 28 and 29 , another lock 404 a that is similarly or identically configured to the previous embodiment(s) discussed herein may be described as having the following additional or different features.

The skirt 416 b may extend 180.0 degrees or less about its axis of rotation 470 forming the thru-slot 472. The surface of revolution 474 is a conical surface or a cylindrical surface (e.g., may be described as cylindrical if the draft angle for casting is discounted), and the 472 thru-slot of the lock/retainer is defined by a straight surface 476 (or flat surface) extending from a floor 478 of the thru-slot 472. This surface 476 may extend from a first circumferential end 480 of the skirt 416 b and to a second circumferential end 482 of the skirt.

The first detent 484 may be spaced 80.0 degrees to 100.0 degrees (see angle 488) from the second detent aperture 486 about the axis of rotation 470. Other angle ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Also, these detent apertures are shown to be thru-slot 490 having an arcuate profile (as shown in FIG. 23 , etc.) or a rectangular profile 491. Other profile shapes are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

As best seen in FIG. 29 and FIG. 36 , a gusset 492 (or an angled rib) may extend from the floor 478 to the straight surface 476. This gusset may help to reduce stress between surface 478 and 476. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. This feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Next, a retainer spring that is similar or identically configured to earlier embodiments described herein (e.g., see FIGS. 7 thru 10) may be described as having the following additional or different features.

Looking at FIGS. 28 thru 33, the retainer spring 500 may have a retainer (or lock) engaging flange 502 that extends from the folded body below the second window 504, and on an opposite side of the folded body than the angled flanged 506 extends (see FIG. 33 ). More specifically, the angled flange 506 extends in a first direction 508, and the retainer engaging flange 502 extends in a second direction 510 that is oblique to the first direction 508.

The retainer engaging flange 502 may include a straight portion 512 that is configured to engage the corresponding surface of the lock/retainer 404 a (see FIGS. 29 and 33 ) to hold the lock in place in the tip 200 b. The angled flange 506 may press on a surface of the tip 200 b (see FIGS. 34 and 40 ) to provide spring force to push the male detent portion 514 of the spring to engage the female detent (see 484) of the lock.

Looking now at FIGS. 43 thru 47, another embodiment of a retainer spring 600 may include a folded body having a middle male detent portion 602 that is formed by an undulation 604 of the folded body, and a first retention portion 606 including a first angled flange 608 extending from a top edge 610 of the folded body on one side of the middle detent portion 602, and a second retention portion 612 extending from the top edge 610 of the folded body on another side of the middle male detent portion 602 including a second angled flange 614.

Moreover, a first side flange 616 may extend from a first side of the folded body, and a second side flange 618 may extend from a second side of the folded body. These flanges may provide circumferential contact surfaces with the tip (see FIG. 48 ), while the angled flanges provide the spring preload as already described herein. The first side flange extends from the folded body at a first angle 621 (see FIG. 46 ) that ranges from 45.0 degrees to 135.0 degrees (or more specifically may range from 70.0 degrees to 80.0 degrees in some embodiments), and the second side flange extends at a similar angle range(s) as the first angle.

As best seen in FIGS. 47 and 50 , the first side flange 616 includes a first bottom beveled edge 620, and the second side flange 618 includes a second bottom beveled edge 622.

With continued reference to FIGS. 43 thru 47, a first retainer engaging flange 624 extends from the folded body from a bottom edge 626 on one side of the middle male detent portion 602, and a second retainer engaging flange 628 extends from the folded body from the bottom edge 626 on another side of the middle male detent portion 602.

As best seen in FIGS. 45 and 46 , the first retainer engaging flange 624 includes a first outside beveled edge 630, and the second retainer engaging flange 628 may include a second outside beveled edge 632. These features may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure. The folded body defines a plane of symmetry 634 passing through a midpoint or centroid of the folded body (see FIG. 46 ).

Yet another embodiment of a retainer spring is illustrated in FIGS. 51 thru 56. The spring 700 includes a folded body having a middle male detent portion 702 that is formed by an undulation 704 of the folded body, a first U-shaped portion 706 disposed at one side of the folded body, and a second U-shaped portion 708 disposed at another side of the folded body.

Focusing on FIG. 54 , the first U-shaped portion 706 includes a first straight portion 710 defining a first free end 712 of the retainer spring. A second straight portion 714 extends from the undulation 704, forming opposite sides of U-shaped portion. The first straight portion forms an angle 716 with the second straight portion 714 that ranges from −45.0 to 45.0 degrees (0 degrees to 15.0 degrees in some embodiments) of the present disclosure. Other ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Also, the folded body defines a vertical plane of symmetry 718 passing through a centroid 720 of the folded body, and a horizontal plane of symmetry 722 passing through a centroid of the folded body (see also FIG. 54 ). This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Now looking at FIGS. 24, 25, and 27 , an adapter 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured as previously described herein, but may further define an angled slot 802 with an angled floor 804 extending from the crescent shaped aperture 806 toward a rear of the adapter 800.

Turning now to FIG. 26 , a tip 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a rear attachment portion 902 with an open end 904, an exterior surface 906, and an interior surface 908 extending from the open end 904. A lock receiving aperture 910 may be disposed in the rear attachment portion 902 that includes a lock drive receiving portion 912, and a skirt receiving portion 914. An annular ridge 916 may be provided that defines an axis of rotation 918, and a circumferential direction 920. The annular ridge 916 may divide the lock drive receiving portion 912 from the skirt receiving portion 914.

Also, a first spring clip receiving aperture 922 may be provided that is in communication with the lock receiving aperture 910. The first spring clip receiving aperture 922 (e.g., see FIG. 42 ) may include a first pocket 924, and a second pocket 926 that are separated by a rib 928.

As understood with reference to FIGS. 2, 5, and 26 , the annular ridge 916 may define a circumferentially extending stop tab receiving slot 930 that extends 180.0 degrees or less about the axis of rotation 918. More particularly, the circumferentially extending stop tab receiving slot may extend between 45.0 degrees and 135.0 degrees (80.0 degrees and 110.0 degrees in some embodiments) about the axis of rotation 918 to match the angle between the female detents of the lock as previously described herein.

As also shown in FIG. 26 , a bulge 932 may be provided that is disposed near a top of the tip 900 between the lock receiving aperture 910 and the open end 904.

In FIGS. 42 and 57 , the tip may have a rib 928, 928 a in the first spring clip receiving aperture 922 that defines a rib circumferential extent 936, 936 a, and an overall circumferential extent 938, 938 a. In certain embodiments, a ratio of overall circumferential extent 938, 938 a to the rib circumferential extent 936, 936 a may range from 2.0 to 10.0 (3.85 to 7.15 in some embodiments of the present disclosure).

In FIG. 42 , a pair of clearance openings 940 are disposed circumferentially adjacent the rib 928 that are in communication with the first pocket 924 and the second pocket 926. Also, the first pocket 924 and the second pocket 926 have slanted floors 942 such that the depth of the first pocket and the second pocket decrease near the exterior surface 906 (see FIG. 48 ).

As can be understood with reference to FIGS. 2, 26, and 27 , a tip and adapter assembly when assembled may have an adapter 800 including a nose portion that includes a crescent shaped aperture 806 as previously described herein, defining an angled slot 802 with an angled floor 804 extending from the crescent shaped aperture 806 toward a rear of the adapter 800. The angled slot 802 may be configured to receive the bulge 932 of the tip 900, and the crescent shaped aperture 806 may be aligned and in communication with the skirt receiving portion 914 of the lock receiving aperture 910. A spring and lock may also be assembled in the tip.

The various embodiments of the adapter have been shown to be a center adapter, but it is contemplated that the embodiments discussed herein may also be configured as corner adapters, or may have rear attachment portions that lack legs, etc.

Again, it should be noted that any of the dimensions, angles, surface areas and/or configurations of various features may be varied as desired or needed including those not specifically mentioned herein. Although not specifically discussed, blends such as fillets are shown to connect the various surfaces. These may be omitted in other embodiments and it is to be understood that their presence may be ignored sometimes when reading the present specification unless specifically mentioned.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In practice, a machine, a work implement assembly, a tip, an adapter, a tip assembly, a tip and adapter assembly, a spring, a lock or retainer, a void filler, a base, a wear member, and/or any combination of these various assemblies and components may be manufactured, bought, or sold to retrofit a machine or a work implement assembly in the field in an aftermarket context, or alternatively, may be manufactured, bought, sold or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) context.

Any of the aforementioned components may be made from any suitable material including iron, grey-cast iron, steel, spring steel, plastic, rubber, foam, etc.

The embodiment(s) of FIGS. 3 thru 15 may be assembled as follows. First, the void filler is attached to the adapter/base in a manner described earlier herein. For example, the void filler may be attached the adapter/base in a rotatable manner. Second, the spring is retained on the tip/wear member via its angled flange, etc., with the spring arm facing toward the lock receiving aperture. Third, the retainer is then inserted into the lock receiving aperture of the tip/wear member so that its skirt passes through the skirt entry slot, bottoms out on the annular shelf surface as previously described herein, and is then rotated so that the skirt reaches underneath the ledge of the skirt retention slot. At about the same time, the spring arm engages the detent of the retainer, holding the retainer in an unlocked yet trapped state. The tip/wear member may then be slid onto the adapter/base until seated properly. Rotation of the retainer will then place the retainer in a locked position and is held there against unintentional rotation as the spring arm engages the other detent of the retainer. During this rotation, the void filler rotates along with the retainer. Disassembly may be achieved by reversing one or more of these steps.

The embodiment(s) of FIGS. 16 thru 24 may be assembled as follows. If a void filler is employed, then the void filler is first attached to the adapter/base in a fixed manner as shown in the drawings or in a rotating manner as described elsewhere herein. If the void filler is fixed in position, then the void filler may have an aperture for receiving the skirt of the retainer as the retainer is rotated into a locked position. Also, the spring and the retainer are attached to the tip/wear member as already described with reference to FIGS. 3 thru 15. Rotation of the retainer achieves lock end unlocked states. Disassembly is achieved by reversing one or more of these steps.

The embodiment(s) of FIGS. 24 thru 57 may be assembled by first inserting the lock into the lock receiving aperture of the tip, and then inserting the spring to hold the lock into place. Then, the tip may be inserted over the adapter and the lock rotated into a locked position. Disassembly may be achieved by reversing one or more of these steps. In some embodiments, the spring may be inserted before the lock. In other embodiments, the spring may be inserted after lock (e.g. when the spring has lock retaining flanges).

Further embodiment(s) are disclosed in FIGS. 58 thru 66 that may be similarly or identically configured as those disclosed in FIGS. 1 thru 57 except for the following differences or variations. In general, the adapter and tip of the tip and adapter assembly 150 may be constructed as previously discussed herein.

However, the retaining mechanism 400 a has a lock 1000 with a skirt 1002 that lacks a peripheral angled or contoured material ejection surface that at least partially borders the thru-slot 1004. Also, the detent apertures are differently configured that what is shown in the earlier figures. Specifically as shown in FIG. 63 , the first detent aperture 1006, and second detent aperture 1006 a define a radial detent depth 1008 that ranges from 0.0 millimeters (mm) to 5.0 millimeters (mm), and a detent width 1010 that ranges from 5.0 millimeters (mm) to 35.0 millimeters (mm).

Also as best seen in FIGS. 64 thru 66, the retainer spring 2000 may have a folded body having a flat lock engaging portion 2002, a first side undulating portion 2004, and a second side undulating portion 2004 a.

Focusing on FIG. 66 , the first side undulating portion 2004 (may also be referred to as a first side wavy portion) may include a first peak 2006 that is adjacent to the flat lock engaging portion 2002 (may also be referred to as a top flat portion), and a first valley 2008 that is adjacent to a first end 2010 of the folded body.

Similarly, the second side undulating portion 2004 a (may also be referred to as a second side wavy portion) may include a second peak 2006 a that is adjacent to the flat lock engaging portion 2002, and a second valley 2008 a that is adjacent to a second end 2010 a of the folded body. These undulating or wavy sides allow the spring to compress when the lock is rotated.

The ends 2010, 2010 a are shown to be formed by bottom angled portions 2012, 2012 a. However, in other embodiments it is contemplated that the ends could be formed by attachment flanges that are parallel with the flat lock engaging portion. Other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 65 and 66 , the folded body may define two different planes of symmetry 2014, 2014 a that may be perpendicular to each other. There may be only one or no planes of symmetry in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

The first side wavy portion (see 2004) may include a first top angled portion 2016 that leads from the top flat portion (see 2002) to the first peak 2006, and a second middle angled portion 2020 that leads from the first peak 2006 to the first valley 2008, forming a first acute angle 2022 therebetween that ranges from 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Also, the first bottom angled portion 2012 (may also be referred to as a third angled portion) may form a second acute angle 2024 with the second middle angled portion 2020 that also ranges from 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In addition as shown in FIG. 66 , the first end 2010 may be spaced inwardly away from a first tangent 2026 to the first peak 2006 that is perpendicular to the top flat portion a predetermined distance 2029 (this distance may range from 0.25 mm to 2.0.0 mm in some embodiments). This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the first end may be coincident with this tangent.

Furthermore, the first side wavy portion and the second side wavy portion may be separated by a minimum distance 2028 that ranges from 0.0 mm to 10.0 mm, or 1.0 mm to 25.0 mm in various embodiments of the present disclosure. The first peak may define a first radius of curvature 2030, and the first valley 2008 may define a second radius of curvature 2032 that is greater than the first radius of curvature 2030. The first top angled portion 2016 defines a first length 2034, and the second middle angled portion 2020 defines a second length 2036 that is greater than the first length 2034. Also, the folded body may define a thickness 2038 that ranges from 0.0 mm to 10.0 mm in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The folded body may define a maximum height 2039 measured perpendicularly from the top flat portion to the first end of the folded body that ranges from 5.0 mm to 50.0 mm in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Any of the dimensional ranges may be altered depending on the scale of the design. In such cases, the ratios of any of the dimensions to any of the other dimensions may still fall within 20% of the median value of the dimensional ranges.

As can be seen, the detents for these embodiments are more like a shallow flat than a deep rounded or hexagonal cutout. Smaller stress concentration may be provided by the shallower flat.

Also, the spring may be easier to manufacture, and may be more stable when installed. This design may also provide a smaller opening in center into which packed material can collect and inhibit the spring function. The spring may also have a better flexibility to ease installation and to reduce the locking and unlocking effort.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assembly and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may be constructed and function differently than what has been described herein and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an order that is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in some cases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects of various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide still further embodiments.

Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retaining mechanism comprising: a retainer including a skirt including a surface of revolution with an axis of rotation, and defining a circumferential direction, the skirt extending 180.0 degrees or less about the axis of rotation, forming a thru-slot; and a drive portion extending axially from the skirt.
 2. The retainer mechanism of claim 1, wherein the surface of revolution is a conical surface or a cylindrical surface, and the thru-slot of the retainer includes a straight surface extending from a floor of the thru-slot extending to a first circumferential end of the skirt and to a second circumferential end of the skirt.
 3. The retaining mechanism of claim 1, wherein the skirt further lacks a peripheral angled or contoured material ejection surface that at least partially borders the thru-slot.
 4. The retaining mechanism of claim 1, wherein the skirt defines a first detent aperture, and a second detent aperture that is spaced away from the first detent aperture about the axis of rotation.
 5. The retaining mechanism of claim 4, wherein the first detent aperture is spaced 45.0 degrees to 135.0 degrees from the second detent aperture about the axis of rotation, and the first detent aperture is a thru-slot having an arcuate or rectangular profile.
 6. The retaining mechanism of claim 5, wherein the first detent aperture defines a radial detent depth that ranges from 0.0 mm to 5.0 mm, and a detent width that ranges from 5.0 mm to 35.0 mm.
 7. The retaining mechanism of claim 2, further comprising a gusset that extends from the floor to the straight surface.
 8. A retaining mechanism comprising: a retainer spring including a folded body having a flat lock engaging portion; a first side undulating portion; and a second side undulating portion.
 9. The retaining mechanism of claim 8, wherein the first side undulating portion includes a first peak that is adjacent to the flat lock engaging portion, and a first valley that is adjacent to a first end of the folded body.
 10. The retaining mechanism of claim 9, wherein the second side undulating portion includes a second peak that is adjacent to the flat lock engaging portion, and a second valley that is adjacent to a second end of the folded body.
 11. A retaining mechanism comprising: a retainer spring including a folded body having a top flat portion; a first side wavy portion that extends from the top flat portion; and a second side wavy portion that extends from the top flat portion; wherein the folded body defines two different planes of symmetry.
 12. The retaining mechanism of claim 11, wherein the two planes of symmetry are perpendicular to each other.
 13. The retaining mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first side wavy portion includes a first angled portion that leads from the top flat portion to a first peak, and a second angled portion that leads from the first peak to a first valley, forming a first acute angle between the first angled portion, and the second angled portion that ranges from 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees.
 14. The retaining mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first side wavy portion includes a third angled portion that leads from the first valley to a first end of the folded body, the third angled portion forming a second acute angle with the second angled portion that ranges from 30.0 degrees to 60.0 degrees.
 15. The retaining mechanism of claim 14, wherein the first end is spaced inwardly away from a first tangent to the first peak that is perpendicular to the top flat portion a predetermined distance.
 16. The retaining mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first angled portion defines a first length, and the second angled portion defines a second length that is greater than the first length.
 17. The retaining mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first side wavy portion and the second side wavy portion are separated by a minimum distance that ranges from 1.0 mm to 25.0 mm.
 18. The retaining mechanism of claim 17, wherein the first peak defines a first radius of curvature, and the first valley defines a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature.
 19. The retaining mechanism of claim 11, wherein the folded body defines a thickness ranging from 0.0 mm to 10.0 mm.
 20. The retaining mechanism of claim 11, wherein the folded body defines a maximum height measured perpendicularly from the top flat portion to the first end of the folded body ranging from 5.0 mm to 50.0 mm. 